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What a Ride!
Written By: Sue Blair - Carpe Diem Farms | Issue: 2016/10 - October
Carpe Diem Farms is approaching its 25th anniversary January 27, 2017, the date it received its 501c3 not-for-profit status.
It has been an incredible journey, “Exploring the human potential through equines.” Through experiential programs for children and adults, nearly four thousand have participated in after school, summer day camps, and activities. We’ve done yoga, tai chi, feng shui, and drumming, native plant identification and eating from nature. We’ve held barn dances and concerts, We’ve danced with the horses and held summer camps for women over 50. Alan Hetzel planted experimental dahlia gardens and we taught healthy eating through our organic vegetable garden. There have been art and photography classes and a drum circle in the tipi. What a ride!
Throughout all the years, it’s volunteers who drive Carpe Diem. There isn’t a paid staff. As Margaret Meade said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Volunteers change our world daily. Our numbers are small and the results are tremendous!
When asked why individuals volunteer to muck manure, repair fencing, mow, weed gardens, drive tractors, pressure wash, paint, groom horses, and more, most reply that it just makes them feel better.
Our number one volunteer right now is Martha Gleaner. Most afternoons and weekends you can find Martha in the stables. There isn’t a chore that involves the horses that she doesn’t enjoy! She helps out in the office too. Martha is quick to tell everyone that working at the farm, around the horses has improved her health and well-being.
For the third time in a year Bill and Karen Magee from Abita Springs, Louisiana, have driven 10 hours each way just to volunteer. They ask for a list and go about accomplishing the tasks at hand. They just left saying they’d be back soon! We’ll be waiting.
Carpe Diem Farms is located in Highlands. For more information, call (828) 526-2854.
